If you've ever attempted to switch banks, you know it can be a huge hassle. But a detailed plan makes a big difference. If you're considering a bank switch, follow this guide to make it as painless as possible.

Find the Right Bank

Because a bank switch is such a pain, you probably have good reason for leaving your current bank. Maybe they charge a monthly checking fee. Maybe you're unhappy with their business practices. Whatever your reason for leaving, if you don't already have a new bank in mind, find one. Finance site Bankrate explains the importance of this decision:

"Carefully selecting a new financial institution is probably the most important part of the process because selecting a new bank that's a bad fit could mean you have to start your search all over again in a few months."

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Start your search by considering your priorities and banking habits. Are you looking for a checking account with interest rates? Do you want to deal with a credit union in your community? Make a list of your top options, then go over the fine print and read reviews. Pay attention to the following:

Balance requirements

Fees

Interest rates (and how they vary depending on your balance)

Convenience and ease of online banking

Bank locations

ATM locations and fees

Penalties

FDIC or NCUA insurance

Customer service

Double-Check Balance Requirements

Finance site Money Crashers advises to check the balance requirement of your old account before the transition:

"Pay attention to any fees you might get charged for dropping below a certain minimum balance, and stay above that minimum."

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If you have outstanding checks or bill payments linked to your old account, you should keep even more than the minimum in the account.

At this point, you should have already checked the balance requirement of your new account. To avoid any fees, make sure you have enough money to adequately fund both accounts during the switch.

Search for Unposted Checks and Scheduled Payments

Frugal site DealNews warns that a bank switch can be costly when you "incur overdraft fees from unposted or pre-written checks and from transitioning automatic bill payments and direct deposits."

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To prevent this, compare your checkbook with your old statements. Have you written checks that haven't yet cleared? If so, make sure you have sufficient funds in your old account.

Review your statement and list all of your automatic bill payments. Think beyond monthly. You might have bills that are paid bi-monthly, quarterly or annually. Don't forget to include those. Search your online banking history or Mint.com transactions for auto-payments made throughout the entire year. Make sure you haven't missed anything.

Open Your New Account

When you open an account at your new bank or credit union, don't close your old account right away. Even if you don't have a balance requirement, keep a small cushion in your old account until the transition is complete. You may have overlooked a lingering check or automatic payment. A cushion is an added precaution against overdraft fees, which can turn a bank switch into a small financial disaster.

Update Bill Payment and Direct Deposit Info

Once you've made a list of your automatic payments, update those accounts with your new banking information. If there are any payments scheduled at your old bank, you'll want to cancel and reroute them, Bankrate suggests. You may be too late, though. For payments already in process, make sure you have enough in your old account to fund these payments.

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Contact your employer and update your direct deposit info. Ask if the change will take place on the current pay cycle or the next.

Close Your Old Account

Before finally closing your old account, double-check the following:

Your direct deposits are now coming into your new account.

Your automatic bill payments are being deducted from your new account.

All outstanding checks have cleared your old account.

Your new checks and debit card have arrived.

When you're in the clear, it's time to close. Depending on your bank, you may have to call, send a letter or visit a branch. Keep records of all correspondence.

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Avoid Closing Fees

As of 2013, most big banks have dropped their account closing fees, says bank site MyBankTracker.com. That's good news, but if your bank hasn't followed suit, you have options.

Some banks still charge a fee if your account has only been opened for a short amount of time. If your bank charges a time-based fee like this, keep your account open until this period passes, then close the account.

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Other banks charge to wire your remaining funds to a new bank. Banking site Go Banking Rates points out three easy ways to avoid wire transfer fees:

Withdraw the money in cash at a local branch.

Write yourself a check from your old account; deposit into your new account.

Set up an electronic transfer.

Check for a Zombie Account

Many bank accounts will automatically reopen if a deposit is made into the account after it's been closed. This can be dangerous, Go Banking Rates explains:

"A reopened zombie account restarts monthly maintenance and minimum balance fees. Customers who are unaware that their accounts have been reopened can mount hundreds of dollars in penalties."

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It's crucial to make sure your direct deposit switch is successful before closing your old account. But in case of a glitch or a random payment you might have overlooked, monitor your old account. Survivalist site Off The Grid News suggests you check periodically over the course a year:

"...set up a reminder to yourself to check and make sure the account is closed each quarter of the first year after you close it."

At Bank of America, zombie accounts reappear in online banking. If you banked online, sign in periodically to make sure the account is indeed closed. If necessary, call your old bank to make sure your account hasn't come back to life.

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Kill a Zombie Bank Account

If you've been attacked by a zombie bank account, there are options to kill it, according to consumer site Credit Card Select.

"Always contact your bank if an account has been reopened. There's a good chance you won't be at fault. If you were able to get your hands on a signed document verifying your account closure, even better. However, if your bank won't budge and you feel terrorized by a zombie account, consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in the bank account section."

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Sometimes, switching banks can be more trouble than it's worth. But there are plenty of compelling reasons to switch, too. Better interest rates. A community-focused credit union. The desire to avoid exorbitant monthly fees.

Whatever your reason, an organized plan can take most of the pain out of a bank switch.